The Use of Isobutylcyanoacrylate as a Tissue Adhesive in Abdominal Surgery

BACKGROUND: The use of cyanoacrylate substances as tissue adhesives is of valuable aid in surgery, especially in cases of injuries of the intraabdominal organs, where the haemorrhage is very difficult to control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated the efficiency of isobutyl-2-cyanoacrylate as a tissue adhesive in the haemostasis and adhesion of different types of wounds in solid and hollow organs. Forty-six dogs underwent single-organ (26 dogs) and combined-organ (20 dogs) procedures; cuneiform excisions of the liver and the spleen, as well as incisions of the small intestine were carried out. The wound surfaces were coated with isobutyl-2-cyanoacrylate and approximated. RESULTS: The majority (91.3%) of the surgical operations were uncomplicated, in which a very good macroscopical and histological result was achieved. Histological examination of the surgical injuries, performed 4 months later, confirmed complete wound healing. CONCLUSION: Isobutyl-2-cyanoacrylate proved to be a very effective tissue adhesive for both solid and hollow organs, even for high risk surgical operations.